Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ski Season On Hold For Now

Most of us enjoyed the pleasant Thanksgiving weather, but some may remember they were skiing on the holiday a year ago.

"We've got a few white piles out there on Lower and Upper Rocket. We hope to get back at it soon,” said Bristol Mountain General Manager Dan Fuller. “But it really looks like it's going to be the second week in December before we get some cold weather."

Fuller's been GM at Bristol for since 1982.

"Last year we were open a week before Thanksgiving, which was a very, very early opening for us. I think we all remember who cold last winter was. This year it's starting out a little bit warmer, but we're ready with the snow guns and ready to go with a moment's notice."

Bristol fired up the snowmakers last weekend, but it’s probably going to be a couple of weeks before the hill can open.

"We're always very, very fortunate if we do get Thanksgiving weekend. This year we won't,” said Fuller. “I think there are only a couple of areas in New York State that are open, in the far northern part of New York State. The rest of us here are looking for cold weather to come."

State operated ski areas Gore and Whiteface Mountain opened this weekend.

As soon as we get enough snow, there's a new 90-foot wide trail to greet skiers at Bristol.

"It's called Lower Universe, so it really connects from the upper part of the mountain to the lower part. That's one of the last trails that we will build out on our Galaxy pod."

Fuller admits it's a little bit green now, but he told WXXI he hopes to have Lower Universe covered with snow in a couple of weeks.

How do ski areas decide where to put trails? Fuller says it starts with the ski lift that delivers you to the top of the hill.

"Before we put a lift in, usually we have the entire area predesigned before that…although when we start building the trail, there is a little bit of field engineering that goes into effect where we'll make changes as that trail is developed."

Safety is the first concern, but a trail needs to be interesting, with changes in pitch and direction, so that it's fun to ski or ride on. After all, that’s what skiers live for…that, and some snow.

Swain

Brantling

Brad Smith won the Cortland County (NY) spelling bee as a seventh grader from Homer High, in a championship broadcast live on local radio. Brad’s been trying to relive the “magnificent” (winning word) moment ever since.